Educational objectives General learning outcomes
The main objective of the course is to provide students with fundamental knowledge of the geophysical
methods used for the characterization, assessment and monitoring of environmental and industrial risks. The
course aims to develop the ability to select and integrate the most appropriate geophysical techniques for a
specific problem, taking into account spatial resolution, depth of investigation, interpretative uncertainty and
the need for validation using direct information.
Specific learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding:
The course provides fundamental theoretical and applied knowledge of seismic, acoustic, electrical and
electromagnetic methods used in the investigation of environmental and industrial risks. Students will
acquire knowledge of the physical principles of the different methods, the general procedures for data
acquisition and interpretation, and their main applications to contaminated sites, landfills, unstable slopes,
embankments, aquifers, buried infrastructure and coastal or underwater environments. The course will also
introduce the principles of time-lapse geophysical monitoring and the integration of geophysical information
with geological, hydrogeological, geotechnical and environmental data.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, students will be able to identify the most suitable geophysical methods for a
specific environmental or industrial risk scenario and develop a simplified investigation plan. In particular,
they will be able to propose an acquisition configuration consistent with the objectives of the survey,
qualitatively assess the expected resolution and depth of investigation, interpret simple geophysical datasets,
and identify suitable validation and monitoring strategies. Practical activities will also enable students to
become familiar with geophysical instruments and with the main operational phases of a field survey.
Making judgements:
Students will develop the ability to critically compare different geophysical methods by assessing their
potential, limitations, interpretative ambiguity and benefit-to-cost ratio. They will be able to distinguish
between a geophysical anomaly, a subsurface interpretation and evidence of environmental risk, and to
assess the need to integrate geophysical results with direct measurements. Through case-study analysis and
project development, students will acquire autonomy in selecting characterization or monitoring strategies
appropriate to a specific problem.
Communication skills:
Students will be able to describe the principles, applications and limitations of the main geophysical methods
using appropriate technical terminology. They will also be able to present and justify a geophysical
investigation plan, clearly communicating its objectives, methodological choices, expected results,
uncertainties and main limitations to audiences with different technical backgrounds.
Learning skills:
The theoretical and applied knowledge acquired during the course will provide students with the tools
required to independently expand their understanding of geophysical methods for environmental and
industrial risk assessment and management. The course will develop their ability to consult technical and
scientific literature, interpret new case studies and keep up to date with avances in instrumentation,
acquisition techniques, data-processing methods and monitoring strategies.
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